1.7. Study to Prevent Urinary Symptoms in People with SCI/D-MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

Participate in Study to Prevent Urinary Symptoms in People with SCI/D

Are you an individual with spinal cord injury or spina bifida who struggles with urinary symptoms and uses intermittent catheterization for bladder management? If so, the SCI research team at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospitala partner of United Spinal Association would love to talk to you about participation in a study focusing on the prevention of urinary symptoms. The research team, located in Washington, DC, noticed during a past study that people with bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury or disease had much less urine Lactobacillus, which is considered a "healthy" bacteria, compared with those who didn't have SCI.

In response to this finding, we have decided to investigate whether Lactobacillus, when put back into the urine, might have a role in limiting symptoms and possibly reducing the need for antibiotics. Lactobacillus is a probiotic which has traditionally been used to aid with digestion and is naturally found in your body. In our study, the benefits provided by Lactobacillus will be targeted at bladder health rather than digestive health.

If you decide to participate in the study, we will need your assistance over a period of 18 months. While this seems to be a lengthy time frame, the study is broken down into three phases, each lasting 6 months, which require different levels of participation.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information regarding the study, we can be reached through email at inger.h.ljungberg@medstar.net or by phone at (202) 877-1694. We can't wait to hear from you!

MedStar Health Research Institute provides scientific, administrative and regulatory support for research programs throughout MedStar Health. MedStar Health is a not-for-profit, regional healthcare system with nine hospitals and more than 20 other health-related services in the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region. More than a half-million patients trust their care to MedStar Health each year.